Buncombe County, North Carolina Grapples with Challenges in School Reopening Plans Post-Hurricane Helene

Buncombe County, N.C. Struggles with School Reopening Plans

In Buncombe County, North Carolina, confusion looms as schools navigate the post-Hurricane Helene period. Recent discussions have revealed a lack of clarity regarding the reopening dates for Buncombe County Schools (BCS) and Asheville City Schools (ACS).

Communication Breakdown

During a recent ACS board meeting, leaders announced that city, county, and charter schools would all reopen simultaneously. However, a statement from a BCS spokesperson on Tuesday contradicted this notion, leading to frustration and uncertainty among parents and students alike.

Changing Plans

Ken Ulmer, a representative from BCS, explained that the district is focused on reopening schools safely and as quickly as possible. He reported that they must address multiple challenges due to overseeing 45 schools across the county. Restoration efforts are underway to ensure clear access to all facilities and to repair buildings damaged by the hurricane, particularly the road leading to Owen High School.

“Owen district was hit very hard, and also part of the Reynolds district,” Ulmer noted, emphasizing the significant challenges ahead.

Asheville City Schools Making Progress

On the other hand, ACS appears to face fewer obstacles, with April Dockery, the chief of operations, stating that their main issue revolves around water supply. Dockery confirmed that no ACS building suffered structural damage, which sets a different tone regarding their reopening plans.

As for a tentative reopening date, ACS is aiming for Monday, October 28. However, Dockery cautioned that this is not a confirmed date. She highlighted the need to ensure that all schools, especially Hall Fletcher and Lucy Herring Elementary Schools, have the necessary resources, including non-potable water, before any students return.

Extracurricular Activities Resume

While both districts grapple with reopening timelines, BCS has begun reinstating extracurricular activities. Ulmer expressed the importance of returning some normalcy to students’ lives following the tumultuous storm. High school participation in these activities remains optional and is aimed at providing support to families affected in various ways.

Judah Dayton, an Erwin High School senior, shared his own experience during this challenging time. He engaged in community service, distributing food in Weaverville and Black Mountain. Although he had hoped for a different senior year experience, he remarked, “I got to live through the experience, I guess,” as he looked forward to rejoining his teammates on the football field.

Water Supply Challenges

Looking ahead, ACS is collaborating closely with the county emergency team to stockpile drinking water for students and staff. Dockery mentioned, “We are working on a backup plan for Hall Fletcher and Lucy Herring if they do not get water,” as they strive to align reopening dates across all schools.

When schools do eventually reopen, ACS plans to implement a modified schedule to accommodate the ongoing water supply situation. Elementary schools will operate from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., while secondary schools will function from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m..

Alternative Learning Options

In the meantime, bridge learning has commenced at Isaac Dickson from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for K-12 students. Similarly, BCS is offering online learning opportunities for students who have internet access while advising them to focus on reading.

As Buncombe County Schools and Asheville City Schools navigate the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, both districts remain committed to reopening safely while prioritizing the well-being of their students and staff. The coming weeks will be crucial for determining how these plans will unfold, but one thing is certain: the community remains hopeful for a return to normalcy.